Apparatus and method for booting in computer device with built-in communication module

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method control booting in a mobile device with a built-in communication module to prevent a service user from using the mobile device for other purposes and to prevent the service user from subscribing to another service provider. A method includes determining, during a booting operation, whether the communication module is mounted with a USIM. A forced booting termination message is displayed if the communication module is not mounted with the USIM. And power supply is interrupted after a predetermined time from displaying the forced booting termination message.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application is related to and claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 to an application filed in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice on Jan. 20, 2010 and assigned Serial No. 10-2010-0005053, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer devices and, inparticular, to an apparatus and method for booting up an e-book or amini notebook computer with a built-in HSPA (High Speed Packet Access)module.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of ubiquitous environments, integration or division areperformed between various mobile devices. In line with this trend,various communication technologies are applied to a mobile device (e.g.,a netbook computer or a mini notebook computer for storing simple dataor sharing contents in a local region) such that the mobile device canaccess a network to process high-speed data. For example, acommunication module such as WiBro and HSPA (High Speed Packet Access)is mounted in the mobile device to process high-speed data.

A mini notebook computer is designed in such a way that it is mountedwith an HSPA module and a USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module)card. The USIM card stores personal information in order to provide aservice user with various services such as user authentication,charging, and security. If the USIM card is not mounted in the mininotebook computer, the service user may not use the Internet through theHSPA module.

Meanwhile, for popularization of WiBro and HSPA services, communicationservice providers provide service subscribers with netbook computers ormini notebook computers, mounted with an HSPA module, without charge orat a low price. Thus, when subscribing to an HSPA service of acommunication service provider, a service user can obtain a mininotebook computer, mounted with an HSPA module, at a low price.

The service user who has the mini notebook computer with the HSPA moduleprovided by the communication service provider can change to an HSPAservice of other communication service provider by mounting an USIM cardof the other communication service provider in the mini notebookcomputer. Also, booting is possible even when the mini notebook computeris not mounted with a USIM or a HSPA module, and a wired/wirelessInternet based on a wired/wireless LAN (WiFi) can be used even withoutusing a high-speed data service based on an HSPA module.

As such, the service user may use the mini notebook computer evenwithout using an HSPA module. In this situation, because the mininotebook computer, which is provided to the service user forpopularization of an HSPA service, is used for other purposes, thecommunication service provider meets with a loss on sales.

What is therefore needed is a scheme for preventing a service user,which has a mini notebook computer or a netbook computer provided by acommunication service provider, from using the mini notebook computer orthe net book computer for other purposes, and preventing the serviceuser from changing an HSPA service to other communication serviceproviders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is aprimary aspect of the present invention to solve at least theabove-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at leastthe advantages described below. Accordingly, an object of the presentinvention is to provide an apparatus and method for booting in a mobiledevice with a built-in communication module.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod for restricting the use of a mobile device with a built-incommunication module on the basis of a restricted booting mode.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling booting in a mobile device with a built-in communicationmodule includes determining, in a booting operation, whether thecommunication module is mounted with a universal subscriber identitymodule (USIM). A forced booting termination message is displayed if thecommunication module is not mounted with the USIM. And power supply isinterrupted after a predetermined time from displaying the forcedbooting termination message.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling booting in a mobile device includes determining, in abooting operation, whether the mobile device is mounted with acommunication module and a universal subscriber identity module (USIM).A forced booting termination message is displayed if the mobile deviceis not mounted with the communication module and the USIM. And powersupply is interrupted after a predetermined time from displaying theforced booting termination message.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forcontrolling booting in a mobile device with a built-in communicationmodule includes a processor for determining, in a booting operation,whether the communication module is mounted with a universal subscriberidentity module (USIM). The processor displays a forced bootingtermination message if the communication module is not mounted with theUSIM and interrupts a power supply after a predetermined time fromdisplaying the forced booting termination message.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatusfor controlling booting in a mobile device includes a processor fordetermining, in a booting operation, whether the mobile device ismounted with a communication module and a universal subscriber identitymodule (USIM). The processor displays a forced booting terminationmessage if the mobile device is not mounted with the communicationmodule and the USIM and interrupts a power supply after a predeterminedtime from displaying the forced booting termination message.

Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION below, itmay be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words andphrases used throughout this patent document: the terms “include” and“comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion withoutlimitation; the term “or,” is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases“associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivativesthereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with,contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, becommunicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximateto, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like; and theterm “controller” means any device, system or part thereof that controlsat least one operation, such a device may be implemented in hardware,firmware or software, or some combination of at least two of the same.It should be noted that the functionality associated with any particularcontroller may be centralized or distributed, whether locally orremotely. Definitions for certain words and phrases are providedthroughout this patent document, those of ordinary skill in the artshould understand that in many, if not most instances, such definitionsapply to prior, as well as future uses of such defined words andphrases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of certainembodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mini notebook computer accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an e-book according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for booting a mobile device according to anembodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for booting a mobile device according to anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 through 4, discussed below, and the various embodiments used todescribe the principles of the present disclosure in this patentdocument are by way of illustration only and should not be construed inany way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the artwill understand that the principles of the present disclosure may beimplemented in any suitably arranged communication system.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-knownfunctions or constructions are not described in detail as they wouldobscure the invention in unnecessary detail. Terminologies describedbelow are defined with consideration of functions in the presentinvention and may change based upon preferences or practice of a user oroperator. Therefore, the definitions should be determined on the basisof the descriptions in the specification.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for booting acomputer device with a built-in communication module. In particular, thepresent invention provides an apparatus and method for preventing aservice user from using a mini notebook computer or an e-book, which ismounted with a high speed packet access (HSPA) module provided to theservice user by a communication service provider, for other purposes andpreventing the service user from changing a service to othercommunication service providers.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a mini notebook computer accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mini notebook computer 110 includes a processor112, a connection IC 114, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM)118, and a memory 116. An HSPA module 100 including a modem 102 ismounted on the mini notebook computer 110 to process high-speed data.

The processor 112 controls an overall operation of the mini notebookcomputer 110. The processor 112 controls a series of processes ofreceiving data from various input devices, processing the received data,and transmitting the processing results to an output device. Accordingto the present invention, the processor 112 performs a power-on selftest (POST) to control a booting operation. For example, the processor112 processes the booting operation normally if necessary hardwaredevices (e.g., the memory 116, the HSPA module 100, and the USIM 118)are all detected in the POST operation and operate in a proper manner.However, if the necessary hardware device is not detected or operates inan improper manner, the processor 112 displays an error message on adisplay screen (not illustrated) and generates an alarm sound.Thereafter, the processor 112 terminates the booting operation forciblyand interrupts power supply to the mini notebook computer 110. To thisend, the processor 112 transmits an attention (AT) command to the HSPAmodule 100 and the USIM 118 and determines whether the HSPA module 100and the USIM 118 respond normally.

The memory 116 stores a program for controlling an overall operation ofthe mini notebook computer 110, and stores temporary data that aregenerated during the operation of the mini notebook computer 110.

The USIM 118 is a card-type module used in the mini notebook computer110. The USIM 118 stores personal information in order to provide asubscriber with various services such as user authentication, charging,and security. Also, the USIM 118 may serve as a universal IC card thatmay provide a traffic card function or a credit card function. Theuniversal IC card secures the security and integrity of personalinformation data by supporting the security of multiple applications.According to embodiments, the USIM 118 may be mounted on a USIM socket104 in the HSPA module 100.

Under the control of the processor 112, the connection IC 114 transmitsinput data from a PCI interface 120 to the processor 112, the memory116, or the USIM 118. Also, the connection IC 114 transmits a controlsignal or a data signal from the processor 112, the memory 116, or theUSIM 118 to the HSPA module 100 through the PCI interface 120.

The modem 102 processes TX/RX signals through the antenna. For example,in a TX mode, the modem 102 channel-encodes and spreads TX dataaccording to a predetermined radio access standard (e.g., HSPA) prior totransmission. In an RX mode, the modem 102 despreads and channel-decodesa received signal. The USIM socket 104 or the USIM slot 104 serves as acontact point for mounting a USIM card in the HSPA module 100.

The HSPA module 100 and the mini notebook computer 110 are connectedthrough the PCI interface 120 and communicate signals in a USB signalformat.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the USIM 118 is mounted in the mini notebookcomputer in separation from the HSPA module 100. However, according toembodiments, the USIM may be mounted in the HSPA module in a mobiledevice such as an e-book, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an e-book according to anembodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, an e-book 210 includes a processor 212, aconnection IC 214, and a memory 216. An HSPA module 200 including amodem 204 and a USIM 202 is mounted on the e-book 210 to processhigh-speed data.

The functional blocks are identical to those of FIG. 1, and thus adetailed description thereof will be omitted for conciseness.

In FIG. 1, the processor 112 transmits an AT command to both the USIM118 and the HSPA module 100 in a POST operation. However, in FIG. 2, theprocessor 212 transmits an AT command to only the HSPA module 200because the USIM 202 is included in the HSPA module 200.

FIG. 3 illustrates a process for booting a mobile device (e.g., a mininotebook computer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, when power is supplied to the mini notebookcomputer in block 300, a POST operation is performed in block 302 todetermine whether the hardware units in the mini notebook computeroperate normally.

In block 304, the mini notebook computer transmits an AT command to theHSPA module and the USIM. In block 306, the mini notebook computerdetermines whether the HSPA module is mounted thereon by determiningwhether a normal response is received from the HSPA module in responseto the AT command.

If it is determined in block 306 that the HSPA module is mounted, themini notebook computer proceeds to block 308. In block 308, the mininotebook computer determines whether the USIM is mounted by determiningwhether a normal response is received in response to the AT command. Incontrast, if it is determined in block 306 that the HSPA module is notmounted, the mini notebook computer proceeds to block 310.

If it is determined in block 308 that the USIM is not mounted, the mininotebook computer proceeds to block 310. In block 310, the mini notebookcomputer displays a forced booting termination message on a displayscreen. In block 314, after a predetermined time, the power supply tothe mini notebook computer is interrupted to terminate the bootingoperation.

In contrast, if it is determined in block 308 that the USIM is mounted,the mini notebook computer proceeds to a normal mode.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process for booting a mobile device (e.g., a mininotebook computer) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when power is supplied to the mini notebookcomputer in block 400, a POST operation is performed in block 402 todetermine whether the hardware units in the mini notebook computeroperate normally.

In block 404, the mini notebook computer transmits an AT command to theHSPA module and the USIM. In block 406, the mini notebook computerdetermines whether the USIM is mounted in the HSPA module, bydetermining whether a normal response is received from the HSPA modulein response to the AT command.

If it is determined in block 406 that the USIM is mounted in the HSPAmodule, the mini notebook computer proceeds to block 410 to a normalmode. In the normal mode, the user can use the applications in themobile device.

In contrast, if it is determined in block 406 that the USIM is notmounted in the HSPA module, the mini notebook computer proceeds to block408. In block 408, the mini notebook computer displays a forced bootingtermination message on a display screen. In block 412, after apredetermined time, the power supply to the mini notebook computer isinterrupted to terminate the booting operation.

As described above, when power is supplied to the mobile device (e.g.,the mini notebook computer or the e-book) mounted with the HSPA module,the HSPA module is checked during the POST operation. The AT command isused to check whether the HSPA module is mounted in the mobile deviceand whether the USIM is mounted normally. If there is no problem, thebooting operation is completed and the corresponding operating programcompletes the normal boot process. If there is no HSPA module or USIM,the booting operation is terminated. That is, because the HSPA module isnot mounted, the forced booting termination message is displayed on thedisplay screen of the mobile device. Thereafter, the power supply to themobile device is interrupted after a predetermined time.

As described above, the present invention performs a booting operationby determining whether an HSPA module or a USIM is mounted in a mininotebook computer or a net book computer, thereby making it possible toprevent the service user from using the mini notebook computer or thenet book computer for other purposes and to prevent the service userfrom subscribing to an HSPA service of other communication serviceprovider.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference tocertain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention isdefined not by the detailed description of the invention but by theappended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construedas being included in the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling booting in a mobiledevice with a built-in communication module, the method comprising:determining, during a booting operation, whether the communicationmodule is mounted with a universal subscriber identity module (USIM);displaying a forced booting termination message in response todetermining the communication module is not mounted with the USIM; andinterrupting a power supply after a predetermined time from displayingthe forced booting termination message.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising: completing the booting operation and driving thecorresponding operating program normally, in response to determining thecommunication module is mounted with the USIM.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the communication module is a high speed packet access (HSPA)module.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether thecommunication module is mounted with a USIM comprises: transmitting anattention (AT) command from a processor to the communication module; andtransmitting a response from the communication module to the processorin response to the AT command.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining whether the communication module is mounted with the USIM isperformed during a Power-On Self Test.
 6. A method for controllingbooting in a mobile device, the method comprising: determining, during abooting operation, whether the mobile device is mounted with acommunication module and a universal subscriber identity module (USIM);displaying a forced booting termination message in response todetermining the mobile device is not mounted with the communicationmodule and the USIM; and interrupting a power supply after apredetermined time from displaying the forced booting terminationmessage.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: completing thebooting operation and driving the corresponding operating programnormally, in response to determining the mobile device is mounted withthe communication module and the USIM.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe communication module is a high speed packet access (HSPA) module. 9.The method of claim 7, wherein determining whether the mobile device ismounted with a communication module and a USIM comprises: transmittingan attention (AT) command from a processor to the communication moduleand the USIM; and transmitting a response from the communication moduleand the USIM to the processor in response to the AT command.
 10. Themethod of claim 6, wherein determining whether the mobile device ismounted with the communication module and the USIM is performed during aPower-On Self Test.
 11. An apparatus for controlling booting in a mobiledevice with a built-in communication module, the apparatus comprising: aprocessor configured to determine, during a booting operation, whetherthe communication module is mounted with a universal subscriber identitymodule (USIM), display a forced booting termination message in responseto determining the communication module is not mounted with the USIM,and interrupt a power supply after a predetermined time from thedisplaying of the forced booting termination message.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11, wherein in response to determining the communication moduleis mounted with the USIM, the processor completes the booting operationand drives the corresponding operating program normally.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the communication module is a high speedpacket access (HSPA) module.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theprocessor transmits an AT command to the communication module andreceives a response from the communication module in response to theattention (AT) command, to determine whether the communication module ismounted with the USIM.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein theprocessor determines whether the communication module is mounted withthe USIM during a Power-On Self Test.
 16. An apparatus for controllingbooting in a mobile device, the apparatus comprising: a processorconfigured to determine, during a booting operation, whether the mobiledevice is mounted with a communication module and a universal subscriberidentity module (USIM), display a forced booting termination message inresponse to determining the mobile device is not mounted with thecommunication module and the USIM, and interrupt a power supply after apredetermined time from displaying the forced booting terminationmessage.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein in response todetermining the mobile device is mounted with the communication moduleand the USIM, the processor completes the booting operation and drivesthe corresponding operating program normally.
 18. The apparatus of claim16, wherein the communication module is a high speed packet access(HSPA) module.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the processortransmits an attention (AT) command to the communication module and theUSIM and receives a response from the communication module and the USIMin response to the AT command, to determine whether the mobile device ismounted with the communication module and the USIM.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the processor determines whether the mobile device ismounted with the communication module and the USIM during a Power-OnSelf Test.